Construction Trades

Introduction to the Trades: Build

Course Number(s): T401441

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 9-12

The goal of this course it to help students prepare and explore various trades through skill development, personal development and the knowledge on how to access good jobs with good benefits in the construction industry.  Education hands on epxeriences will be rotated for different trade areas to learn about different areas of construction as a career trades.  Class work will include the development of part drawings, blueprint reading, plan of procedures, precise measurement and estimating materials. Student’s projects teach the safe and proper use of a variety of woodworking tools. Students are required to complete projects that are designed to develop primary woodworking skills. Safety glasses are required.

Note: There is a $10 lab fee for this course.

Construction Carpentry

Course Number(s): T404501

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Intro to the Trades: Build

Grade: 10-12

Construction Carpentry will provide students the opportunity to explore the construction trades in a classroom and lab environment. Students will develop a variety of technical skills associated with residential construction, build simple structures and make minor repairs on residential buildings. Areas of construction include but not limited to the following: safety procedures, building layout, rough construction, electrical systems, drywall, applied mathematics, communications, and career opportunities. Safety glasses are required.

Note: There is a $10 lab fee for this course.

PLTW Civil Engineering & Architecture (Honors)

Course Number(s): T431611

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Intro to the Trades: Build and Construction Carpentry or instructor approval

Grade: 11-12

Note: This course is offered every other year.  It will be offered for SY 2026-27

The major focus of the Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) course is a long-term project that involves the development of a local property site.  As students learn about civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of this property.  Developing the property as a simulation and model allows students to learn what civil engineers and architects experience while developing properties. The CEA course is structured to enable students to have a variety of experiences that will provide an overview of both fields.  Students work individually and in teams exploring hands-on projects and activities to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students will use state of the art software packages to help them design solutions to solve class assignments and projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to various audiences.

PLTW Capstone (Honors)

Course Number(s):  431621

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Principals of Engineering or instructor approval

Grade: 12

In this class, students will be working in teams which, together, will think of a common everyday problem, research solutions to that problem and come up with unique solutions to that problem through the creation and development of a product.  During the process, students will develop their research, writing and presentation skills.  Students will write a technical report around their project, documenting the process of development, design and testing of the project.  Students will also create a portfolio documenting their project and give a presentation at the end of the course.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (PLTW) (Honors)

Course Number(s):  T431711

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Principles of Engineering

Grade: 10-12

How are things made? What processes go into creating products? Is the process for making a water bottle the same as it is for a musical instrument? How do assembly lines work? How has automation changed the face of manufacturing? While students discover the answers to these questions, they’re learning about the history of manufacturing, robotics and automation, manufacturing processes, computer modeling, manufacturing equipment, and flexible manufacturing systems.

Note: Students can earn college credit by passing PLTW summative test at the end of the semester.  This course is offered every other year starting in 2025.

Construction Trades Courses offered outside of Johnson Aerospace and Engineering:

Finishing Trades Institute (FTIUM) Early Apprenticeship

NOTE: Registration is dependent on student application and interview.  If you are interested in his program, please talk to your School Counselor or Work-Based Learning teacher for more information

Location: Finishing Trades Institute 3205 Country Drive, Little Canada, MN 55117

Time: 8am-10:30am OR 12pm-2:30pm, Available Fall and Spring Semesters, Monday-Friday

Transportation: Metro Transit

Course Number(s):  T401201 (registration is dependent on application and interview)

Grade: 12 

3 High School CTE Credits 

Intensive hands-on course with approximately 80% of the learning done on the training floor. This course prepares students to be work ready and mimics a job in the FTIUM trades. The applicant shall be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the CTE program without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or any other individuals, with reasonable accommodations. Students will be in a dirty, dusty environment and will get drywall mud and paint on themselves and their clothes. Student participation and collaborative work are vital aspects of this program. For more information about FTIUM visit FTIUM.edu 

49ers Construction Explore

Course Number(s):  T404571

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 12

If you are interested in the 49ers year long course, see your school counselor or work based learning coordinator.

This course provides students with an introduction of the basic equipment used in the construction industry. Students learn about basic equipment operations and job responsibilities. This course prepares students to use concepts pertaining to safety, maintenance, mathematics and communication that operating engineers may experience.

49ers Basic Grade/Construction Math

Course Number(s):  T404581

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: 49ers Construction Explore

Grade: 12

If you are interested in the 49ers year long course, see your school counselor or work based learning coordinator.

In the construction industry, grading is the work of ensuring a level base, or a grade with a specific slope. Grade construction work is needed in almost any building project, from laying a building foundation to landscaping to roadwork. In this course, you will be introduced to core equipment used in the staking process, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the construction industry. Communication processes used in the construction industry for interpreting and setting grade are also an important part of this course. Finally, you will learn mathematical concepts related to the construction industry for grade staking.

49ers Construction Equipment Fundamentals

Course Number(s):  T434501

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: 49ers Construction Explore and 49ers Basic Grade/Construction Math

Grade: 12

If you are interested in the 49ers year long course, see your school counselor or work based learning coordinator.

In the construction industry, the proper use of heavy equipment is necessary to ensure quality work and a safe work environment. In addition being able to recognize and determine the use of specific heavy equipment, will create a more efficient work team. Heavy equipment is used in almost any construction project, from building a house to excavating for a new road. In this course, you will be introduced to core equipment used by operating engineers, as well as their maintenance needs. Communication processes used by operating engineers, rigging and signaling practices, safety awareness and mathematical concepts related to the construction industry are also covered.

49ers Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Course Number(s):  T434511

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: 49ers Construction Explore and 49ers Basic Grade/Construction Math and 49ers Construction Equipment Fundamentals

Grade: 12

If you are interested in the 49ers year long course, see your school counselor or work based learning coordinator.

This course focuses directly on maintenance of mobile equipment through a series of engaging tutorials. A major focus of the course is on maintenance safety including such topics as LOTO. Other topics include tools and fasteners, preventative maintenance principles, engines, intake and exhaust, fuel systems, coolant systems, filters and filtration, lubrication systems, hydraulics, electrical systems, tires, and tracks and undercarriages.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 1

Course Number(s):  T432111

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 10-12

Note: This course is offered at the District Automotive Center, located at 810 Palace Avenue (inside the Global Arts Plus Upper Building). See Ms. Voigt regarding a bus to the location.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 1 is designed for students who want to explore and train for a career in an automotive related field .  This course is open to students of all skill levels who wish to gain a deep understanding of today’s automobiles. 

 MLR1 will primarily focus on instruction relating to entry-level automotive shop work practices, such as: Safe use of automotive related tools and equipment.  Safe practices when lifting vehicles for service.  Accessing and using professional vehicle service information to perform repair operations.  Learning automotive parts and systems terminology.  How to perform a professional lube, oil, and filter service.  How to perform tire mounting and wheel balancing services.  Instruction on 12-volt electrical system principles, including automotive lighting and accessory systems.Classroom and shop activities will simulate automotive service industry operations through the use of training aids, manufacturer donated training vehicles, and customer work as available.  Completion of Maintenance and Light Repair 1 will give the student a good foundation in the operation and preventative maintenance of an automobile and prepare students for entry-level employment, as well as further advanced training at the High School Automotive Center.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 2

Course Number(s):  T432121

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 1

Grade: 10-12

Note: This course is offered at the District Automotive Center, located at 810 Palace Avenue (inside the Global Arts Plus Upper Building). See Ms. Voigt regarding a bus to the location.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 2 is designed for students who want to explore career opportunities and requirements to be a professional service technician.  This course is open to students who have completed Maintenance and Light Repair 1 or equivalent coursework. MLR2 will primarily focus on the development of student's hands-on-skills necessary to perform vehicle maintenance and light repair skillsets associated with entry-level employment such as:  Preventive maintenance inspections /lube, oil, and filter service.  Tire and wheel service; including TPMS service.  Suspension system service such as; stabilizer bar, shock absorber, and strut service.  Steering system tie rod end service.  Introduction to wheel alignment.  Hydraulic brake and power brake assist system inspections.   Drum brake and disc brake system inspections.  Electrical wiring repair and circuit integrity checks.  Battery maintenance and testing.   Starter motor and generator testing, as well as removal and replacement.  Introduction to internal combustion engine systems and inspections.  Drivetrain and transmission fluid inspections and service.

 Classroom and shop activities will simulate automotive service industry operations through the use of training aids, manufacturer donated training vehicles, and customer work as available.  Completion of Maintenance and Light Repair 2 will give the student a good foundation in the operation and service of an automobile and prepare students for entry-level employment, as well as further advanced training at the High School Automotive Center, post-secondary automotive programs, and ASE certification.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 3

Course Number(s):  T432131

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 2

Grade: 11-12

Note: This course is offered at the District Automotive Center, located at 810 Palace Avenue (inside the Global Arts Plus Upper Building). See Ms. Voigt regarding a bus to the location.

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 3 is designed for students who want to explore career opportunities and requirements to be a professional service technician.  This course is open to students who have completed Maintenance and Light Repair 2 or equivalent coursework. MLR3 will primarily focus on the development of student's hands-on-skills necessary to perform vehicle maintenance and light repair service, and diagnostic procedures associated with entry-level employment such as:  Preventive maintenance inspections /lube, oil, and filter service.  Tire and wheel service, including plug/patch tire repairs.  Suspension system inspections and service, including diagnosis of worn ball joints.  Steering system inspection and service, including enabling/disabling supplemental restraint systems.  Perform a pre-alignment inspection and perform a four-wheel alignment.  Drum brake system inspection and service, including drum brake machining.  Disc brake inspection and service, including parking brake service and adjustment.  Diagnose grounds, shorts, opens, and resistance electrical circuit faults, including accessory, starter, and charging circuits.  Inspect and test heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.  Drivetrain system inspection and service, including drive axle and drive shaft service.  Identify and research electric/hybrid vehicle high-voltage circuit components, service precautions, and safety guidelines.  Classroom and shop activities will simulate automotive service industry operations through the use of training aids, manufacturer donated training vehicles, and customer work as available.  Completion of Maintenance and Light Repair 3 will give the student a good foundation in the operation and service of an automobile and prepare students for entry-level employment, prepare students for a post-secondary automotive program, and ASE certification.